Report by LBSU

Senior Alex Shaw and junior Randi Hicks both posted top five finishes in the women’s javelin on the 49ers’ first day of competition at the 101st annual Drake Relays.

Shaw, who entered the week ranked 11th in the nation, finished third overall with a distance of 151-02.

Hicks wasn’t far behind in fourth place as she had a toss of 142-07. Hicks, who set a school record earlier in the year, currently ranks first in the Big West and seventh in the nation.

Kenneth Medwood and Sam Jeter are set to represent the LBSU men in the 400-meter hurdles Saturday at the Drake Relays.

The Long Beach State track and field team also opened action at the UCSD Triton Invitational as it competed in four field events Friday afternoon.

Cheryl Smith and Kayla Kamaka both tied for fourth in the pole vault, clearing 11-01.75. Smith tied her season best, as did Kate Beighton, who finished seventh overall (10-08).

Shari Harris notched a season-long 147-04 in the hammer toss, while Rachel Hammar also competed in the discus (131-09).

Brandon Dawes led a trio of 49ers in the men’s pole vault as he tied for fourth with a height of 14-02.50. James Bush finished in a tie for ninth (13-08.50), while Frank Vaickus rounded out the group in 14th place (13-02.50).

The Beach returns to Triton Stadium for a full slate of events on Saturday. The field events are set to get underway at 10 a.m., while the track competition begins at 11 a.m.